I used to love lifting free weights in college and over the many years since dabbled from time to time with various strength training regimes.
The past two weeks my colleague Michelle and I have been warming up with cardio then doing a circuit of the weight machines at our workplace gym.
It’s humbling to not recognize the exercise the machine is intended to be used for and Michelle has been graciously guiding me through the equipment.
We laugh and fastidiously clean each bench before moving on. I remember using most of the stack of weights many years ago so sliding the pin into that second plate feels, well, humbling. I know I need to get used to aligning my body for each set, that I need to find the seat height and configurations that get the most out of each set.
I’m a plodding person who moves slowly and under control as I try to maximize the range of motion for each move. It’s not interesting or cinematic.
Michelle and I chat briefly between sets without wasting time.
It’s nice to connect outside of our work and support our wellbeing.
My upper body has been giving me grief now that I’m treating my sleep apnea. My chiropractor wisely noted I’m likely not moving as much in my sleep.
My lower body gets lots of exercise with my walking commute, the upcoming soccer season and riding my bike. Yoga has been great for stretching and keeping me flexible but I’ve realized I need some engagement of my upper body to feel well.
So here is to humble beginnings and not letting my ego get in the way of a good workout.
Yay for getting back into it! Starting something new/returning to something after a long absence can be soooo challenging! Sounds like you’ve got a good companion to help you out, though. I find that after a break from lifting, even like for an illness or vacation, it takes me 2-3 weeks for it to feel *right* again. I hope it feels good and routine for you soon!
PS. Love the tag “Sat with Nat.” Wish my name had a cool rhyme with it. 😉
Good for you! Lifting weights is good for women, especially as we get older when we lose muscle mass, as we approach menopause.
I fell out of my weight lifting routine over the late winter/early spring as chorus rehearsals mingled with softball games to consume all of my evenings. Morning workouts are hard to make happen when you’re falling into bed at 11pm or later. Now that I’m down to just softball, and the gym is quieter over the summer at lunch time, I’ve got more options and am making myself get back to it. I think it would be nice to have someone to chat with, but I haven’t found anyone who’s willing to work out at my odd schedule. I’m glad you’re getting back to it, Nat!